The epicentre of the quake was located 70 km northwest of Iquique
in northern Chile, at a depth of 32 km, the US Geological Survey
said. No injuries or damage have been reported so far.

The National Office of Emergency of the Interior Ministry has
ordered an evacuation of the coastline between the northern towns
of Arica and Tocopilla, over the fears of a possible minor
tsunami. The Pacific Tsunami Warning Center however said there
was no tsunami expected.

About 80,000 people were evacuated in the Tarapaca region, 3,000
in Arica and Parinacota region and 22,000 in Antofagasta region,
said ONEMI's national director, Ricardo Toro, adding that the sea
had risen by almost 13 inches.

The evacuation alert was lifted several hours after the initial
quake.

Chile is located in an area of geological instability and is
prone to powerful earthquakes. A major 8.8 magnitude quake hit
the country back in 2010, devastating the center of the country
and claiming over 500 lives.